"When Rodriguez first met with reporters Wednesday he was ``100 percent sure'' Ricky Nolasco would make his next scheduled start Friday.

Now, the Marlins won't see Nolasco until next year.

The 27-year old right-hander, who sustained a torn meniscus in his right knee while conditioning Aug. 19 in Pittsburgh, is having season-ending surgery next week.

``It's just not letting me do what I want to do out there on the mound,'' Nolasco said. ``I just have to be smart. I'm not going to risk hurting something else when I'm compensating for my knee. I'll be having surgery next week.''

Nolasco, who missed a start Aug. 22 but pitched for the Marlins on Saturday in Atlanta, said he would be out three to six weeks after the surgery and healthy in time for spring training.

Andrew Miller (0-0, 4.50 ERA) will start in Nolasco's place Friday against the visiting Braves."